Cricket: Balochistan win despite Iftikhar’s six-for

Federal Areas lose by 149 runs in Pentangular Cup.

Balochistan recorded a convincing 149-run win over Federal Areas inside three days, bowling them out for just 121 after having set them a target of 270 in their fourth round Pentangular Cup match.

According to information provided by the Pakistan Cricket Board, Balochistan were dismissed for 226 in their second-innings after Rao Iftikhar produced some brilliant bowling to end with figures of six for 43. Despite Iftikhar’s spectacular show, Federal Areas batsmen could not capitalise on the momentum and capitulated in front of Rahat Ali (five for 36), Mohammad Irfan (two for 31) and Ahmed Raza (two for five). Umair Khan top-scored with 27, while Jamal Anwar made 22.

Meanwhile, Punjab continued their domination of Sindh as they reduced the visitors to 227 for five in their second-innings, having conceded a lead of just 26.

Punjab had resumed on 341 for six and their last four wickets added 85 runs before the hosts were dismissed for 426 to gain a mammoth lead of 201. Usman Salahuddin continued his rich form with an unbeaten 102 with the help of 15 boundaries. Mohammad Zohaib supported him with a valuable 44.

For Sindh, Danish Kaneria, Tanvir Ahmed and Faraz Ahmed picked up three wickets each.

In their second-innings, Sindh saw some useful contributions from Shahzaib Hasan (44), Sharjeel Khan (43) and Sarfraz Ahmed (31*), while Saeed bin Nasir remained unbeaten on 55. Raza Hasan picked up three for 48 for Punjab.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 9^th, 2012.